There have been many CVSF achievements over the last few years and since its inception in 2002 CVSF has grown to be recognised as one of the leading youth VCS-led forums in Birmingham with over 700 members.

Below are some of the key facts:

• Over the years an estimated 350 individual groups have attended and participated in CVFS meetings.
• Connexions through the CVSF have helped commission (£691,585.88) in funding to the VCS. This has varied from targeted work with NEET young people to Small Grants. Over 174 groups have received financial support from Connexions.
• The CVSF in partnership with Connexions has contributed to how PA's operate within the VCS. Ranging from the deployment of 21 PA's in the early days to current PA Partnership Hub arrangements.
• Establishing a formal working partnership between Connexions and the VCS to enable a more diverse approach in strategy and shaping decisions and influence within Connexions. The way this partnership has developed and operated can be used as a good practice model and can be used in the future for creating similar partnerships.
• CVSF has shared information, funding, policy, signposting, events, strategic developments and general capacity building advice to a huge number of organisations working with C& YP. In addition the CVSF has put on training for VCS groups.
• CVSF has ensured the VCS have had a strategic voice and influence in the wider C&YP agenda. This has included the establishment of VCS Matters which now has responsibility for taking this work forward.